132 Healthwise

[healthwise132l]

The Dates You Need to Know When Considering an Abortion

If you are thinking about having an abortion there are some important dates that you need to know as they can affect your options for pregnancy termination.

1. When the Pregnancy Began: Since the length of your pregnancy determines the kind of abortion you can have, it is useful to know when you became pregnant. You can calculate the length of your pregnancy if you know the date when your last period started. The first day of your last period is taken as day one of the pregnancy. You can count the weeks since that day to work out how long you have been pregnant. The length of the pregnancy will usually be confirmed with an ultrasound scan. If you haven’t already had a scan when you visit the clinic to discuss pregnancy termination, you will be given a scan during the initial consultation. Knowing the date of the pregnancy is important as it will enable the doctor to advise you on the right form of termination and how long you have to decide.

2. When You Can Have an Abortion: Three different procedures can be used for termination at different stages of the pregnancy. The abortion pill can only be used up to 9 weeks. Manual vacuum aspiration is possible up to 12 weeks. A surgical abortion can be used later, usually between 9 and 18 weeks into the pregnancy.

3. When You Can’t Have an Abortion:

The normal limit for pregnancy termination in the UK is 24 weeks. It is legal to have an abortion if you are less than 24 weeks pregnant, although it is usually best to have the termination earlier than this. About 98% of terminations are carried out before 20 weeks, and most abortions are performed at less than 13 weeks. Earlier pregnancy terminations can be safer and easier, but you should always take the time you need to make the right decision. It is sometimes possible to have a termination after 24 weeks, but this is very rare and it only happens when there is a serious medical reason, such as a significant risk to the mother’s health or well-being. 

[healthwise132l]

3 Reasons You May Need the Progestogen Only Pill

Birth control pills are a popular option for contraception, but there are some reasons why you may not be able to take the usual combined contraceptive pill. You may still be able to use a pill for contraception, but your doctor might recommend using the progestogen only pill or mini pill instead.

1. You Want to Change from the Combined Pill: If you have been experiencing side effects such as headaches, nausea, or an increase in your blood pressure while taking the combined contraceptive pill, but you still want to use an oral contraceptive, you may be able to switch to progestogen only birth control pills. However, some of the initial side effects of the combined pill will go away once your body gets used to it, so your doctor may recommend sticking with the combined pill for a few months before making the decision to change.

2. You Can’t Take Oestrogen: The combined contraceptive pill contains both oestrogen and progestogen, two hormones that can help you to avoid getting pregnant. Although most women will be able to take the combined pill, there are some women who should avoid oestrogen. Your doctor may recommend the progestogen only pill instead if you have high blood pressure, you suffer from migraines, you are overweight, you have had problems with blood clots in the past, or if you smoke and you are over the age of 35. These are all factors that can increase the risk of side effects such as blood clots if you take a pill containing oestrogen. The progestogen only pill doesn’t’ contain any oestrogen, so it is a safer option if you are in one of these risk groups.

3. You Are Breastfeeding: Although many people believe that you can’t get pregnant when you are breastfeeding, it is possible as soon as your period returns. Unless you are planning to try for another baby right away, you will need to start using contraception. The combined pill isn’t suitable for use when you are breastfeeding, but you can take progestogen-only birth control pills.

[healthwise132l]

3 Things You Should Avoid After an Abortion

Recovering from a pregnancy termination doesn’t take long, but it is important to take care of yourself after the procedure. You should make sure you have someone to take care of you on the day of the termination and that you allow yourself a day or two to rest and recover. It can be difficult to predict how you will react emotionally to an abortion. Some women feel relief, while others may feel sad or even guilty. Your doctor will help you to be sure you are making the right decision beforehand, but it can still be helpful to talk to a friend, partner, or even a counsellor after the procedure. Your physical recovery is a lot more predictable. You should feel back to normal after a couple of days. However, there are a few things that you should avoid while you are recovering from a pregnancy termination.

1. Work: You will need to take at least a day off after the pregnancy termination in order to rest and recover, but you should be ready to return to your normal routine in a couple of days. You may want to take a little longer if you want some time alone or if you have a very strenuous job.

2. Sex: You should avoid having sex for at least a week after your pregnancy termination. Once you are ready to start having sex again it is important to remember that it is possible to get pregnant again very quickly after a termination. If you don’t want this to happen, you need to use contraception right away. Your doctor can advise you on your options for preventing another pregnancy.

3. Travel: It is best to stay close to home for at least 24 hours after your abortion. You will probably want to spend some time resting to recover after the procedure. You might also be experiencing cramps and fairly heavy bleeding if you have had a medical abortion, which could make travelling uncomfortable. If you can’t avoid travelling, you should make sure that you know where to seek medical care if you experience any complications, just in case.

[healthwise132l]

What to Tell Your Partner When You Have an STI

Telling someone that you’re undergoing sexually transmitted infections treatment can be difficult, but there are some important things that your sexual partner or partners need to know.

1. There is a chance you might be infected: If you have an STI then there is a chance that your partner needs sexually transmitted infections treatment too. Even if you have been using a condom, there is still a small chance that the infection has been transmitted. Condoms sometimes fall off or split, and some infections such as genital warts can’t be stopped by a condom.

2. You should get yourself tested: The only way for your partner to know if they have been infected is to have an STI test. Getting tested is easy, as you will already know from your own experiences, so you can reassure your partner if they are nervous.

3. You need to be tested even if you haven’t got any symptoms: Not having symptoms is not the same as not having an STI. It is important to make sure that your partner understands why it is still important to get tested even if they haven’t noticed any symptoms. Many STIs can remain unnoticed while still causing serious health problems, particularly for women. The infection could also spread to other people.

4. Getting treated is easy: Most STIs can be treated easily. The most common sexually transmitted infections treatment is a course of antibiotics. If your partner does need treatment it will often be similar to the one you are receiving, but you should never share medication. You need to take all your doses and there is chance that your partner will need a different medication.

5. You can’t have sex until you’re both clear: You shouldn’t have sex with your partner until your treatment has been completed and the doctor has given you the all clear as you could still be infectious. If your partner needs to start treatment, they will also have to wait until the doctor says they are no long infected or infectious. Ignoring this advice could mean that you re-infect each other and have to start sexually transmitted infections treatment again.

fD����

[healthwise132l]

Common Questions About Genital Warts

Genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections treated at the sexual health clinic in London. The warts can be unsightly and distressing so it is important to seek treatment if you notice any unusual growths around your genitals.

1. What Causes Genital Warts?

Genital warts are caused by a skin infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV). The virus can be transmitted by skin to skin contact, which can happen during sex even if there is no penetration or if you are using a condom. However, it can take months or even years for the symptoms to appear, so the infection may not have come from a recent sexual partner.

2. Are Genital Warts Linked to Cervical Cancer?

Genital warts are caused by an HPV infection, but the strains of the virus that cause genital warts are not the same as the strains that are associated with cervical cancer. This means that having genital warts does not increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. The current HPV vaccine actually protects against both types of HPV infection, but if you were vaccinated before 2012 you are not protected against genital warts.

3. What Do Genital Warts Look Like?

Genital warts look a bit like the warts that can appear elsewhere on the body, but they will only grow on or around the genital or anal area. They look like small bumps or fleshy growths. The warts are usually painless and they won’t cause any serious harm or affect your fertility, but if you notice any unusual growths it is still important to visit the sexual health clinic in London for a diagnosis.

4. How Are Genital Warts Treated?

If you do have genital warts, several treatments are available at the sexual health clinic in London. The warts can be treated with a special cream or lotion or removed by freezing them off. It is important to get genital warts treated at a sexual health clinic rather than using the over the counter products available to treat other kinds of warts, as these aren’t suitable for use on the genital area.

[healthwise132l]

The 3 Appointments for a Medical Abortion

The number of appointments you need when you have a pregnancy termination will depend on the type of abortion you have chosen to have. If you opt for a medical abortion, you will need to come in to the clinic in London for three different appointments.

1. The Initial Consultation:

The first appointment you have when you are considering having an abortion is a simple consultation with the doctor. During this appointment, you will have a chance to discuss your options with the doctor, who will help you to make the right decision about whether you want to end the pregnancy. The doctor will also perform an ultrasound scan, take a blood sample for testing, and ask about your medical history. If you decide that a medical abortion is the right option, you will then need two further appointments to take the abortion pill at the London clinic.

2. Taking the First Abortion Pill:

The second appointment is when the termination process actually begins. During this appointment you will take the abortion pill mifepristone, under the supervision of your doctor at the clinic in London. You will be given some water and asked to swallow the tablet at the clinic. You might not feel any different after taking this medication, but some women do experience a bit of bleeding, period like pains, or nausea afterwards. You can take paracetamol if you feel sore, but you should not take any ibuprofen or aspirin based painkillers. If you are sick within two hours, you will probably need to come back to take another tablet.

3. Taking the Second Abortion Pill:

Your final appointment will take place two days later. At this appointment, you will be given the second dose of the abortion pill, which you will need to take under supervision at the London clinic. The second abortion pill is misoprostol, which usually needs to be taken vaginally. You may also be given some tablets to take by mouth if you are more than seven weeks pregnant. You should experience some period like pains and bleeding over the next few hours, but it can take up to 24 hours for the abortion to be complete.

[healthwise132l]

What Are the Risks of Having an Abortion?

Both medical and surgical abortions are very safe, particularly when you have a private abortion performed by an experienced doctor. The risks are particularly low when you have a medical abortion or when the termination is early in the pregnancy. Having an abortion is a lot safer than having a baby and the chances of any of these complications occurring when you have a private abortion are very low. However, there are always some risks with any medication or surgical procedure, so your doctor will want to make sure that you understand what can go wrong before you make your mind up about having a termination.

1. Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal when you have a termination, but in about one in a thousand cases there may be more bleeding than expected. If you experience heavy bleeding after your abortion you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.

2. Damage to the Womb or Cervix:

An abortion can sometimes damage the cervix, which is the entrance to the uterus, or the womb itself. The risk of cervical damage is less than 10 per thousand abortions. The risk of damage to the uterus is less than four in every thousand surgical abortions and less than one in a thousand medical abortions.

3. Infection:

Although you may be given antibiotics as a precaution when you have an abortion, it is still possible for an infection to develop during the next couple of weeks. You will then need to see your doctor to get some more antibiotics. Having an abortion should not have any impact on your future fertility and it is actually possible to get pregnant again very soon after having a private abortion, so you will need to make sure that you start using contraception advice as soon as you begin having sex again. However, there is a slight risk that a bad infection after an abortion could affect your fertility, so it is important to be aware of the warning signs such as pain and fever, and to talk to your doctor if you suspect that something is wrong after your abortion.

[healthwise132l]

3 Reasons the Morning after Pill Is Just for Emergencies

The morning after pill, which can actually be taken up to 72 hours after having unprotected sex, can be very useful. If your condom splits or you forget to use contraception, the emergency pill can still prevent an unplanned pregnancy. However, there are some good reasons why this form of contraception is known as the emergency pill. It isn’t meant to be relied upon as your main form of contraception.

1. Its Inconvenient:

Getting the emergency pill once is very easy, but it isn’t a convenient option if you have to do it every time you have sex. You need to take the morning after pill as soon as possible after you have had Sexual health clinic and it has to be within 72 hours, so you would have to go out and get your emergency contraception within this time limit. Added to this is the stress of knowing that you have had unprotected sex, which could lead to pregnancy if you don’t get your emergency pill in time.

2. It Doesn’t Protect You Against STIs:

Another reason why the emergency pill isn’t ideal is that it cannot protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Although this is true of many other forms of contraception, such as the pill, it is still important to remember. The only form of contraception that can protect you is the condom, so it is much better to use one and only opt for the morning after pill if the condom fails.

3. There Are Better Options:

The emergency pill can be a great option to have when you need it, but it isn’t meant to be used regularly. There are many other options available, so there will certainly be one that suits you better than relying on emergency contraception or risking an unplanned pregnancy or your health by having unprotected sex. You might want to try using the contraceptive pill, having a contraceptive implant fitted, or using condoms or a diaphragm. These options can enable you to protect yourself against pregnancy before you have sex so that you avoid the hassle and worry of seeking emergency contraception the morning after.

[healthwise132l]

Understanding the Risks of Abortion

Any medical procedure comes with some degree of risk, but if you are having a termination at the surgical abortion clinic in London, the risks are very low.

1. Infection The most common problem experienced after having a surgical abortion is an infection. Between 2 and 5% of women develop an infection after this kind of procedure, but you will be given some antibiotics to take to reduce the risk. Your doctor will explain how to take these antibiotics and how to recognise the signs of infection when you visit the surgical abortion clinic in London.

2. Heavy Bleeding Some bleeding is expected after a termination, but a small number of women experience heavier bleeding. If you experience serious pain or severe bleeding after the procedure, you can contact your doctor for advice, but you should go to your local hospital if it is an emergency. You might need to have a repeat procedure in order to remove the cause of the problem.

3. Damage to the Uterus Rarely, a surgical termination can result in a small hole being made in the wall of your uterus. If this happens, you might need to have an operation to fix it. However, the chances of this kind of complication are very low.

4. Reactions to the Anaesthetic Surgical terminations are performed under an anaesthetic, so there is a risk that you could have a bad reaction to the drugs that are used. You should tell your doctor at the surgical abortion clinic in London if you have previously had a bad reaction to anaesthesia, as it may mean that a different procedure needs to be used instead.

5. Failure of the Procedure Another issue that can occur in a small number of cases is that the procedure may not be a success. The pregnancy can sometimes continue after the termination has been attempted, in which case it will be necessary to return for a medical termination or a repeat procedure at the surgical abortion clinic in London to end the pregnancy.

No Risk to Future Fertility Having a surgical termination should have no effect on your ability to conceive in the future, as long as you don’t develop a serious infection that you leave untreated. In fact, it is possible to conceive very quickly after having a surgical abortion, so you will need to start using contraception right away.

[healthwise132l]

How Effective is Your Contraception?

Although there are many factors to consider when choosing your contraception, the effectiveness of the contraceptive is one of the most important. You can find out more about each of these options by asking for contraception advice at the London clinic.

1. More than 99% Effective: Sterilisation is the most reliable and effective form of contraception, but there are many forms of hormonal contraception that are also more than 99% effective, including the combined and progestogen only pills, implants, injections, IUSs and IUDs. You can visit the clinic for personalised contraception advice in London to find out which of these options suit you best if you want to try hormonal contraception.

2. 98% Effective: A condom is very effective at preventing pregnancy as long as you remember to use one every time. Unlike the other forms of contraception, there is the added benefit of protection against STIs when you use a condom, so it is worth considering condoms even if you are using other forms of contraception too.

3. 95% Effective: The female condom is slightly less effective than the male condom, and it also needs to be put on every time you have sex.

4. 92-96% Effective: Using a cap or diaphragm with spermicide can be effective if you ensure it is fitted properly and used every time you have sex.

5. Unreliable: Although each of these contraceptives can be very effective when it is working, none of them can be relied upon to prevent pregnancy if you fail to use them correctly or consistently. If you forget to take your contraceptive pill or you don’t put the condom on properly, it won’t be able to protect you properly.

Ultimately, the best way to ensure that your contraception is reliable is to make sure that you understand how to use it and that you are actually putting this knowledge into practice. If you use any of these methods of contraception correctly and consistently, you will be very well protected against unintended pregnancies. The key is to find the method that works for you, so visiting the clinic for contraception advice in London can be a good way to ensure you are effectively protected.

[healthwise132l]

5 Convenient Reasons to Use the Mirena IUS

Every method of contraception has its own particular advantages and the right one for you often depends on your lifestyle. If you lead a busy life and you are looking for the most convenient form of contraception, there are some good reasons to consider the Mirena IUS.

1. It Only Takes 10 Minutes to Fit:

The Mirena IUS needs to be put into place by a doctor, but the procedure only takes about ten minutes and can be performed in the clinic. It is best to wait on the couch for another 15 to 30 minutes afterwards to ensure that the IUS remains in the right position, but you can then go about the rest of your day as normal.

2. You Don’t Have to Do Anything More:

Unlike other forms of contraception, such as the pill or diaphragms, there is no need to think about your contraception. You don’t have to remember to take your pill every day or to stop to sort out your contraception before you have sex, unless you want to use a condom too to protect against STIs. You simply know that you are protected against pregnancy, all of the time, even when you want to be completely spontaneous.

3. It Can Make Your Periods Lighter:

Periods can be just as inconvenient as contraception, but once you have a Mirena IUS fitted they can become a little easier to handle. Most women who have a Mirena IUS find that their periods get lighter, shorter and often less painful, which all helps to make that time of the month a little bit easier.

4. It Lasts for Five Years:

The Mirena IUS provides long-term protection. Not only can you avoid the inconvenience of thinking about contraception every day, you can wait for up to five years before having the implant removed.

5. Your Fertility Will Quickly Return to Normal:

If you decide to get pregnant, your fertility should return to normal as soon as the Mirena IUS is removed, so there is no need to wait. You can have the implant removed at the clinic and start trying for your baby straight away.

[healthwise132l]

What to Do If Your Condom Breaks

Condoms can provide effective protection against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, but there is always a chance that the condom could fail. If your condom breaks or comes off while you are having sex, it is important to take action to ensure that you and your partner are protected. There are three important things that you need to do after your condom fails.

1. Get Emergency Contraception:

It is important to take the emergency pill as soon as possible after having unprotected sex and it must be taken within 72 hours. You aren’t properly protected against pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections if your condom splits, falls off or has a hole or tear in it, but the emergency pill can prevent you from getting pregnant.

2. Get Tested for STIs:

If your condom breaks or falls off it can’t protect you against STIs, so it is a good idea to get yourself tested, just in case. You can arrange STI testing when you visit the clinic to pick up your emergency pill. Both men and women are at risk from catching STIs if the condom fails, so it is important for both of you to get tested. Even if you think the risk of infection is low, it is best to get yourselves checked out, just in case. Getting a routine STI test is a good idea anyway, even if you haven’t had any problems with your contraception.

3. Think About Your Contraception:

Having your condom fail once doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to change the way you protect yourself, but it can often inspire a rethink of the way you use contraception. If you want to keep using condoms, you might want to consider whether you need to use a different size. When a condom breaks, it can be a sign that you need a larger size, while a condom that slips off may be too large. You might also want to think about using another form of contraception, such as the contraceptive pill, either instead of or in addition to the condoms, so that you won’t have to rely on the emergency pill to protect you. 

[healthwise132l]

What You Should Know About the Contraceptive Diaphragm

A diaphragm is a form of barrier contraception that is inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix and prevent sperm from entering. If you want to learn more about using a diaphragm, you can visit the clinic for contraception advice in London, but here are some of the key facts you should know. 

1. Diaphragms come in different sizes: The diaphragm needs to be matched to the size of your cervix. You might need to change sizes diaphragm if you gain or lose some weight or if you get pregnant, even if you don’t continue with the pregnancy.

2. You need to learn how to use your diaphragm: When you start using a diaphragm, your doctor will teach you how to insert and remove it properly. Your doctor can also provide you with any additional contraception advice at the London clinic if you have questions. 

3. You can insert a diaphragm several hours before sex: You don’t have to wait until the last moment to think about contraception, but you should add more spermicide if your diaphragm has been in for more than three hours.

4. The diaphragm needs to stay in place for six hours after sex: Leaving the diaphragm in place for at least six hours after sex should prevent any sperm from getting past the cervix. You can leave it in for up to 30 hours.

5. A diaphragm can be 92-96% effective: As long as you are using your diaphragm correctly and consistently, it can be very effective at preventing pregnancy.

6. You need to look after your diaphragm: Your diaphragm needs to be cleaned after each use. It should be washed in warm water with a mild, unperformed soap, and then rinsed thoroughly and left to air dry. It can then be replaced in its container to keep it safe.

7. A diaphragm can’t protect you against STIs: Diaphragms only provide limited protection against STIs, so you should consider using a condom as well if there is a risk of infection. You might also want to get some contraception advice in London to help you to decide which options are right for you.

[healthwise132l]

Why Choose a Private Abortion Clinic?

Getting the right care is important when you are seeking a termination. Although abortions can be performed on the NHS, many people find that paying for a private procedure can be a better option for pregnancy termination. Every woman is different, but there are three common reasons why a private abortion could be the right option.

1. Select the Right Clinic for You

One of the best reasons for choose a private abortion is that it enables you to take control of your care. You can choose where you want to be treated, so you can find a private clinic that makes you feel comfortable. The doctors, nurses and other staff you meet when you have a termination will always treat you in a caring and non-judgemental manner, but if you feel more comfortable seeking private care, you should do what is right for you.

2. Confidentiality

Any medical professional who treats you will respect your privacy, but sometimes it can feel easier to talk to a different doctor about termination. You can see your GP before getting a private abortion, but if you would rather not see your usual doctor when you find out you are pregnant, you can go straight to a private abortion clinic instead. The clinic won’t communicate with your GP unless you give permission. It can be a good idea to inform your GP that you have had a termination, just in case there are any complications, but you don’t have to unless you want to.

3. Convenience

When you choose a private abortion, it can be easier to get an appointment quickly and at a time that suits you, particularly if you live in an area where NHS services are very busy. Being placed on an NHS waiting list can be very stressful when you are planning to have a termination. Getting a speedy appointment can be particularly important if you are hoping to have an early medical abortion and you don’t want to miss the nine week limit. You should be able to have the procedure within about a week when you choose private care.

[healthwise132l]

Choosing the Right Contraception

Contraception can be confusing. It can be difficult to wade through all of the information that is out there in order to work out which of the many options is the right one for you. The best way to find out is to seek personalised contraception advice from an expert at the London clinic, but it can help to think about what you are looking for before you talk to a doctor or nurse. You might want to spend some time considering what you need from your contraception before you seek contraception advice in London.

1. How effective do you need your contraception to be?

Most of us would prefer our contraception to be 100% effective, but unfortunately there is always a chance, however small, that your contraception will fail even when you are using it correctly. The efficacy of contraceptives vary a great deal, from options like the diaphragm that are 92 to 96% effective, up to contraceptive implants and vasectomies, which are more than 99% effective. You should consider how important it is for you not to get pregnant before deciding how effective your contraception needs to be.

2. How much effort are you willing to put in?

Some methods of contraception are incredibly simple to use. After having an IUS fitted, you will be protected for up to five years, while contraceptive pills need to be taken at the same time every day, and you need to remember to use condoms or diaphragms every time you have sex. You should consider what each method of contraception requires you to do before you decide on the right option for you.

3. Do you mind if it changes your periods?

Different kinds of hormonal contraception can change your periods in different ways, making them heavier, lighter, more irregular, or more infrequent. It is important to consider whether you are willing to accept these changes and to check what you can expect before starting to use a new contraceptive.

Considering these questions will help you to decide what kinds of contraception will be the best fit for you. However, there are other factors that you will need to consider before making your decision, including health and lifestyle factors that may prevent you from using some kinds of contraception. Your doctor can advise you on these when you ask for contraception advice in London.

[healthwise132l]

What to Expect During Your Initial Consultation for Pregnancy Termination?

During your first visit to a private abortion clinic, you will spend some time talking to the doctor. This initial consultation, which usually lasts at least half an hour, is an important opportunity for you to ask questions and discuss your options, including the different types of pregnancy termination that are available if you decide to go ahead with a private abortion. You will usually need to talk to the doctor alone, at least during the initial part of the consultation, but you can bring a friend, relative, or partner to the clinic for support.

The initial consultation will include several elements:

1. Discussing Your Options: The consultation will begin with a chance to talk about your options, including continuing with the pregnancy and becoming a parent, giving the baby up for adoption, or having a termination.

2. Medical Assessment: If you decide that you would like to go ahead with the termination, you will need to have a short medical assessment. A small finger prick blood sample will be taken for testing and you will be screened for any infections. You will also need to have an ultrasound scan as it is important to check whether the pregnancy is ectopic before deciding on the right option for termination. The scan may need to be conducted vaginally if the pregnancy is very early, and if you are less than five weeks pregnant, you may have to come back at a later date if the pregnancy can’t be detected on screen. It is best to come to the appointment with a full bladder, as this could help to make the scan clearer.

3. Discussing the Options for Termination: Your doctor will explain the different types of termination procedure that are available for you. The options will depend on the length of your pregnancy and any medical conditions you might have. Your personal preferences will also be taken into account.

You should feel free to ask any questions during the consultation and to take as much time as you need to consider your options. If you aren't able to make a decision during the initial consultation, you can go away and think about it at home. If you decide to go ahead with a private abortion, your doctor will schedule your next appointment at the end of the consultation.

[healthwise132l]

How to Make Birth Control Pills Work for You

Birth control pills are one of the most popular choices of contraception, but in order to get the most out of them, you need to make sure that you are using them effectively.

1. Choose the Right Birth Control Pills: Most women who choose oral contraception will take the combined pill, but your doctor might advise you to take the progestogen only pill instead if you experience side effects, have high blood pressure, or are at risk of blood clots.

2. Take Your Pill at the Same Time Every Day: Your birth control pills are at their most effective when you take them at the same time every day. Taking your pill at the same time should also make it easier for you to remember, as it will become part of your routine. The risk of getting pregnant and the best way to get back on schedule if you miss a pill will depend on how late your pill is, how many you have missed, and what kind of pill you are taking, so make sure you know what to do or check with your doctor.

3. Stick to the Right Schedule: You should also make sure that you understand what to do when you reach the end of a pack of pills. If you are taking a 21 day pill, you will need to take a seven day break before starting the next pack, but every day pills contain dummy pills that give your body a break without disrupting your routine. It is sometimes possible to skip one of these breaks, if your period would be inconvenient, but it depends on which pill you are taking, so make sure you check with your doctor before doing this.

4. Check When Starting Another Medication: Other medicines, such as certain antibiotics, might interfere with your pill, so make sure you check with your doctor before combining any medications with your birth control pills.

5. Consider Using Condoms Too: Birth control pills can be more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancies when they are used properly, but they can’t protect you against STIs, so it is still sensible to protect yourself with a condom.